From 1 March 2026, the Australian Government has officially doubled the application charge for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485).

The government application charge for the primary applicant is now:

AUD $4,600

This fee applies to all Subclass 485 applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026. For international graduates, this change significantly increases the financial commitment required to apply.

What Is the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa?

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows eligible international students to remain in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.

It provides:

• Full work rights
• Opportunity to gain skilled employment experience
• A pathway to build migration eligibility

The visa applies across:

• Post-Study Work stream
• Graduate Work stream
• Eligible subsequent 485 applications

For many graduates, this visa represents a one-time opportunity to gain Australian work experience.

Updated 485 Visa Fees (From 1 March 2026)

Primary Applicant: AUD $4,600

Dependants:

• Partner or secondary applicant (18 years and over): AUD $2,300
• Child (under 18): AUD $1,160

All fees must be paid at the time of lodgement.

Example Total Government Cost:

• Single applicant: $4,600
• Applicant + partner: $6,900
• Applicant + partner + one child: $8,060

For a full breakdown of the total 485 visa cost, including health insurance, medical checks, and other mandatory expenses, see our detailed guide here.

These figures include government charges only and do not include professional fees, health checks, English tests, or insurance.

Who Must Pay the New 485 Visa Fees?

You must pay the updated charges if you:

• Lodge your 485 visa application on or after 1 March 2026
• Include a partner or dependent child
• Apply for a subsequent 485 visa (if eligible)

The increase does not apply to eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.

Why This Fee Increase Matters

The 485 visa usually provides graduates with only one opportunity to apply.

With the government charge now at $4,600:

• A refusal creates significant financial loss
• Errors in documentation can become costly
• Future migration pathways may be affected

This makes accurate eligibility assessment and proper documentation more important than ever.

Before You Lodge Your 485 Application

Before applying, confirm that you:

• Meet the Australian study requirement
• Select the correct 485 stream
• Meet English language requirements
• Hold valid Overseas Visitor Health Cover – compare 485 visa health insurance plans here.
• Prepare complete and accurate supporting documents

If your student visa is expiring soon, review your timeline immediately to avoid complications.

You can get complete details on 485 Visa Cost in Australia (2026): Application Fees and Other Expenses

You can verify official charges directly on the Department of Home Affairs website under the Subclass 485 visa page.

If you are looking for Cheapest 485 Visa Health Insurance options in Australia, Compare Plans here - 

Affordable 485 Visa Health Insurance – Compare Top OVHC Plans

You can contact AKS Immigration Consultants on +61 449 970 270 for lodging your TR Visa subclass 485 here.